Freezing
What’s happening in Afghanistan? Benjamin Hopkins on why a humanitarian disaster is imminent and how the country was set up to fail over and over again.
Moving pictures
What has the pandemic done to moviegoing? David Herrin on the cinema’s uncertain return.
Bridges to nowhere
Is China in danger of financial collapse? Victor Shih on the huge structural risks underlying the economy of the People’s Republic.
Generals and rebels
Why is it so hard to build a democracy? James A. Robinson on the coup in Sudan and the challenge of making inclusive institutions from the debris of tyranny.
Trade secrets
Why aren’t Covid-19 vaccine makers allowing other manufacturers to produce more doses? James Love on the hype and reality of the new drug technology, messenger RNA.
Can’t get you out of my head
Is Facebook fixable? Sandeep Vaheesan on the underlying problem of surveillance advertising.
Yes, we have no bananas
Is the U.S. headed for continuing shortages and rising prices? Dean Baker on how the American economy has held up to the disruptions of the pandemic.
When a stranger calls
Why is it so hard to stop phone fraud? Marguerite Reardon on how it works, and how the U.S. is trying to disrupt it.
Patria y vida
What’s behind the protests in Cuba? Javier Corrales on political repression, economic stagnation, and how Cubans overcame their fear of confronting the government.
Leveling up
Why are so many more Americans getting master’s degrees? Aaron Hanlon on the uncertain value of postgraduate education.
